# A Proclamation on the Formal Revival of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 14 September 2022 — The Noble House of Brattleby today formally announced the revival of the ancient Barony of Brattleby, following official recognition by the Crown. This historic moment unites its Norman origins with a modern mission of philanthropy and cultural preservation under its new holder.
## The Occasion In an act of significant historical continuity, the Barony of Brattleby, dormant for over six centuries, has been formally revived. The occasion is marked by the publication of the official recognition in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, the official public record of the Crown in the United Kingdom. This notice represents the culmination of a meticulous, multi-year process of historical and genealogical research that began in 2019.
The revival restores a direct link to one of Lincolnshire’s oldest dignities, first established in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest. The announcement was made from the House’s offices in London, with a mood not of celebration, but of solemn duty and a forward-looking commitment to service, embodying the House motto: *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Historical Context The Barony of Brattleby is woven into the fabric of English history. Its origins are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, a loyal follower of William the Conqueror who granted him the title in AD 1066. For centuries, the Barony remained a title of considerable influence in the region and the wider realm.
Among its most distinguished holders was Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, a formidable *femme forte* who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War. The lineage continued through figures of national importance, including Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and ultimately his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. Following John of Gaunt's death, the Barony fell into abeyance, lying dormant for some 620 years until this present revival. Today, the title is held by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who now continues the tradition of strong leadership established by her predecessor, Nichola de la Haye.
## Distinguished Company The revival of the Barony formally establishes the leadership of The Noble House of Brattleby in its modern chapter. The principal members of the House are:
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**; * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**, by marriage; * **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, the heir to the Barony.
Lady Nicoleta assumes the title in her own right, with Honorary Lord Răzvan supporting the House’s mission under his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). Together, they will guide the House's philanthropic and cultural endeavours from their seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire.
## Ceremonial Protocol The restoration of a dormant barony is a matter of profound legal and historical protocol, not of pageantry. The process required extensive archival research to trace the lineage and establish the historical claim, a *sine qua non* for any such revival. Submissions were prepared for the consideration of the Crown, presenting a comprehensive case validated by genealogical and historical evidence.
The formal procedure concluded with assent from the Sovereign and the subsequent public announcement in *The London Gazette*, under Notice ID 4158083. This publication serves as the definitive and legally binding record of the revival, re-establishing the Barony of Brattleby within the modern order of precedence and peerage. This adherence to ancient protocol underscores the gravity with which the House assumes its renewed responsibilities.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is expressed through its distinct heraldic elements, which blend tradition with modern purpose. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by barons throughout the centuries, from the martial prowess of its early holders to the steadfast administrative duty of later ones.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim reflects a dynamic and purposeful philosophy, emphasising proactive engagement and the pursuit of meaningful objectives as the essence of a worthy life. Together, the mottos signify a balanced union of principled endurance and energetic action.
## Philanthropic Purpose The revival of the Barony provides a powerful platform from which The Noble House of Brattleby will advance its philanthropic mission. The primary beneficiary of the House's charitable activities will be Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialised therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced profound trauma or adversity.
Healing the Wounded Child was chosen for its direct and measurable impact on the well-being of vulnerable young people, offering them pathways to recovery and resilience. The House's support, commencing with its annual Winter Banquet, will contribute directly to expanding the charity’s reach and resources. This commitment transforms a historical honour into a vehicle for tangible good in the contemporary world.
## In Their Own Words Reflecting on the significance of the revival, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > To assume this title is not a claim upon the past, but a solemn promise to the future. It is a commitment to stewardship—to honouring a nine-century legacy by serving our community with fortitude and with honour.
Honorary Lord Răzvan remarked on the House’s forward-looking agenda: > A title finds its true meaning not in its history, but in its present-day utility for the good of others. Our aim is to apply the principles of our House—dedication, integrity, and purpose—to make a discernible, positive impact. *Vincere Est Vivere*.
## A Continuing Legacy With its historical status formally recognised, The Noble House of Brattleby will now focus on fulfilling its modern mission. The House's foremost cultural and philanthropic initiatives are already in motion, demonstrating an immediate commitment to public service and education.
These include the establishment of the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in aid of Healing the Wounded Child, and the development of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to promoting cultural and social refinement. These endeavours, *inter alia*, represent the first steps in building a continuing legacy of purpose, ensuring the revived Barony serves as a force for good in the 21st century and beyond.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the preservation of heritage and the promotion of philanthropy. With its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, and a cultural presence in Bucharest, the House's mission is rooted in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its contemporary focus is on supporting charitable causes, particularly those dedicated to child welfare, and fostering cultural education through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club. The House seeks to use its historic platform to make a meaningful and positive contribution to society, bridging its ancient lineage with a deep commitment to present-day responsibilities.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and holdings are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over the centuries, the title was held by figures of significant historical note, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, and later, through inheritance, by Plantagenet princes such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. After falling into dormancy for over 600 years, the Barony was formally revived in the 21st century, with its recognition published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The formal revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially recognised and published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was originally granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086). - Past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com